Project Accountant II

Senior-level role within Milhouse Engineering profit center(s), overseeing the full financial and administrative life cycle of complex projects. Operates with greater autonomy, partnering closely with Project Managers, Group Leaders, and Finance leadership to ensure successful planning, monitoring, and execution of project financials from initiation through closeout.

Responsibilities

• Lead project setup and financial structuring for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with company SOPs, client requirements, and contract terms.
• Prepare invoices for all assigned projects on a monthly, interim, and milestone basis.
• Review and approve invoices prepared by junior accountants; ensure billing accuracy for monthly, interim, and milestone invoicing cycles.
• Act as primary liaison between finance, project teams, and leadership for project financial matters, providing clear insights and recommendations.
• Monitor and analyze project costs, budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics (planned vs. actuals, percent complete, earned value analysis).
• Anticipate project financial risks and opportunities, proactively advise Project Managers on corrective actions, and escalate critical issues to leadership.
• Partner with Project Managers and Group Leaders on project staffing forecasts, resource planning, and overhead allocation.
• Lead project kick-off and closeout financial reviews, ensuring financial data integrity, risk mitigation, and knowledge transfer of lessons learned.
• Ensure timely collection of aged receivables; coordinate with clients and internal leadership to resolve disputes or payment delays.
• Review contracts, amendments, and change orders in collaboration with legal and project leadership to assess financial impact and mitigate risk.
• Serve as a mentor and coach to junior Project Accountants; provide training, support, and feedback to enhance team capability.
• Oversee and streamline processes for specialized projects with unique reporting requirements (e.g., certified payroll, public agency compliance).
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry in ERP systems; maintain the highest standards of financial accuracy and project document retention.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by recommending updates to the Project Management Manual, accounting policies, and ERP workflows.
• Prepare and deliver financial reports and presentations to profit center leadership, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities to improve profitability.
• Perform advanced project analysis to support executive decision-making, including scenario planning, revenue recognition strategies, and cost optimization.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree or higher in a business-related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in project accounting, preferably within the Engineering, architecture, or consulting industries.
• Demonstrated experience leading financial planning and management of large-scale or complex projects.
• Prior experience with Chicago-area public agency invoicing is strongly preferred, including agencies such as CDOT, CCDOTH, IDOT, ISTHA, and other local or state government agencies.
• Prior experience mentoring or coaching junior accounting staff preferred.
• Proven ability to partner with leadership to drive profitability and mitigate project risk.
• Advanced project accounting knowledge, with strong financial analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead financial aspects of complex projects across multiple stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel – advanced level preferred) and ERP systems; Deltek Vision/Deltek Vantagepoint experience strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to handle competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with Project Managers, Group Leaders, and clients.
• In-depth understanding of different Project Delivery Contract Types (Lump Sum/Fixed Fee, Time & Material, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, etc.).

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage with potential 100% deductible coverage through Garner Health.
• Company Sponsored Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability.
• Voluntary Coverages for additional well-being options.
• Discounted Gym Membership to support fitness goals.
• Competitive Base Salary in a performance-driven culture.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan for future financial security.
• Professional Development Incentives, including bonuses for earning your P.E. License.
• Milhouse University (Cross-Functional Training) with PDH credits for applicable training towards professional engineering licenses.
• Employee Education & Development Program with tuition assistance and learning opportunities.
• Generous PTO + Paid Holidays for rest and personal time.
• Paid Parental Leave, including coverage for a year of diapers.
• Extracurricular Sports Teams (summer Volleyball and Softball).
• Employee Recognition Program to celebrate your impact.
• Employee Referral Bonus for bringing great people on board.
• Transit Benefits Program to save on daily commuting.
• Charitable Events and Activities through non-profit affiliate Milhouse Charities.

Pay

$61,000 - $71,900 a year. The actual base pay depends upon factors such as education, experience, and skills. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.